Description:

Jaina Island, off coast of Yucatan. Late Classic, ca. 550-800 CE. Jaina figurines tell us so much about this necropolis where for centuries before and after the conquest, the Maya elite were interred with a jade bead placed in their mouth accompanied by grave goods. The Jaina lived on an island off the coast of Yucatan, and the name Jaina translates to "House Over the Sea". What sets the Jaina burials apart is the remarkable artistry of the small but mighty figurines held in the hands of the deceased. This piece depicts a warrior donning a jaguar costume and proudly clutching his instruments of combat. The face is likely a portrait, modeled in meticulous detail to reveal the serious grimace of this fierce warrior. The costume is likewise delineated with an eye for reportage. Princes ruled from jaguar thrones and elite warriors wore jaguar skins to battle. The fourth world in the Maya creation myths was known as the Jaguar Sun and as the Zapotec god, Tepeyollotl who was believed to control earthquakes. The piece captures an intimate glimpse of upper class Mayan life and the culture's belief system! 7-1/4"L x 3-3/4"W x 2"D Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Minor wear on edges and some loss of slip surface decoration, intact, excellent!

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October 11, 2013 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000